We are currently using MS Office 2007 on Windows 7, but will be updating to Office 2010 in a coupe of months. If it matters, the IT environment is very locked-down with a high degree of security and a very pessimistic attitude towards any content even remotely questionable. IE8 is the only browser available.

I'm looking for a solution that offers on-line training across the suite of applications, but particularly Word and Excel (Access to a lesser extent). My searches keep leading me back to lynda.com and searching AskMe seems to provide nothing but positive feedback. I'm interested in alternatives, though. Particularly interested in a multi-user arrangement rather than paying separately for each staff member. Looking for training to suit a range of skill levels.

The goal is primarily to increase skill levels and allow people to access the training as it fits in with their work schedule. Certification is not required, although it would be a nice plus for those who are interested.

Well, all I can do is reiterate the lynda.com recommendations - I have always found them to be terrific. They do, however, offer mult-iuser solutions - http://www.lynda.com/online-software-training/multiuser-solutions.html

Seconding Lynda.com, they are pretty much the gold standard for self-directed eLearning for software apps. I used them to learn advanced Excel and some basic Photoshop stuff and it was very well put together.posted by Happy Dave at 1:42 AM on September 5, 2012

It's not online, but you might check your local community college. Ours has tons of these types of classes.posted by CathyG at 6:07 AM on September 5, 2012

This is a little tangential to your actual question, but in case you aren't aware, the 2010 and 2007 versions are very similar. You might not need much in the way of additional training if your people are comfortable with 2007. The jump from 2003 to 2007 was HUGE, but the jump from 2007 to 2010 is pretty minor.

And here's a hearty second for checking into a community college. Be sure to check their continuing ed or adult ed offerings, in addition to the regular credit courses. Since you're interested in something outside of what they normally do, consider a call the person in charge of the Office courses and ask what they can arrange for you. If you have a large enough group, they may be ok with setting up an online course just for you, outside of their regular schedule and/or catalog offerings.posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:23 PM on September 5, 2012

Sorry, I meant to include this in my comment above:

Check into Pearson Education. They are a textbook publisher, but they also have some online training simulators that we use in the classroom at my college. This is their professional training division: http://www.pearsonlearningsolutions.com/professional/posted by SuperSquirrel at 3:28 PM on September 5, 2012

Yeah, I'm aware that the jump from 2007 - 2010 isn't that great and lynda.com offers both anyway, so staff could refresh their knowledge after we make that jump if needed. Part of the issue here is that we have jumped from 2003 to 2007 as part of a re-structure involving a move to a different IT environment and many staff are struggling with the change in interface. I think, though, that this is a symptom of people actually not being all that competent with the application in the first place and they've just learned how to do the minimum functions they need over time. I think most people could do their job better if they understood more about the functions that are available to them, which is why I want to offer a broader range of training than just helping them over the transition.

Pearson seems to offer an LMS solution rather than pre-existing courses and you may be seeing an already established environment that has been developed between your college and Pearsons.

Thanks everyone for your input - it looks like lynda.com fits the bill for us. I've contacted them about an enterprise solution, which seems like the most cost-effective way to do this.posted by dg at 6:04 PM on September 5, 2012

Does anyone know anything about customguide.com? The course selection is smaller, but seems to contain everything we need and the cost is quite a bit lower.posted by dg at 11:21 PM on September 9, 2012

To be honest, my personal preference was for lynda.com, but the other managers preferred that there is a bit more rigour in the assessment at customguide. It is also a lot cheaper although, as mentioned above, the course range is much narrower. It does still cover all of the areas we need and would probably be perfectly fine for most businesses.

Still waiting for HR to finalise the account, but will provide some feedback when we've had a chance to use it for a while.posted by dg at 8:15 PM on January 23, 2013

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